First and 10: NFL Early Season Favorites for Annual Awards

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

We’ve seen quarterbacks make 300-yard games look routine; we’ve seen defenders completely neutralize offensive superstars; and we’ve seen coaches turn their teams completely around, for better and for worse.

Amazing that we can say this at the start of every season, yet remain surprised as if we’ve never seen it before.

I battled with myself a lot while compiling this list of too-early predictions. Paragraphs were deleted, my laptop was closed violently, and Facebook and Twitter came through in the clutch with the 20-minute distraction.

But after I finally deciphered the messages in my crystal ball and tea leaves, I settled on my list of the most impressive candidates for the annual awards handed out in the NFL.

It’s first-and-10 right now and I'm in hostile territory. Hopefully no one is flagged for a false start. Let’s see what the defense shows me before the snap.

MVP

QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Listen. I didn’t think Peyton Manning deserved the MVP award in 2008. He received too much credit for the Colts’ nine-game winning streak when they had the benefit of playing through mediocre competition.

This is where Colts’ fans remind me their team beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers on that run. Don’t care.

As far as the first four weeks of this season are concerned, no quarterback is playing better. And yes, I'm aware of Drew Brees' existence.

Manning’s 1,336 yards and nine touchdowns have him off to the best start of his illustrious career. If that doesn't say it all, then you're simply not listening.

For your consideration: QB Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers—It really is unfortunate that a pair of losses damages a man’s credibility. But should Rivers really be faulted for his defense’s inability to secure the victory when he's brought 1,245 yards and six touchdowns to the field?

Also noteworthy: LaDainian Tomlinson, who? Just saying.

Offensive Player of the Year

QB Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

"Baltimore" and "prolific offense" used to be the grandest of contradictions. The two do not go together.

But in his second season, Joe Flacco is testing history with the Ravens, churning out 300-yard performances, and challenging Baltimore's decade-long identity.

With 1,103 yards and eight scores, Flacco is hiding the biggest elephant in the room: Baltimore’s defense is running on reputation this season. The Browns don't count.

For your consideration: QB Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints—I swear I’m not going with the “shock” angle by waiting until now to nominate Brees. I promise you.

His production in the first two games was mind-boggling, but two weeks don’t make a season. When his high-octane offense is neutralized, the only thing stopping his Saints from being the 8-8 team of 2008 is a scoring defense.

Defensive Player of the Year

S Darren Sharper, New Orleans Saints

Too generous? Any player who's returning interceptions for more than 95 yards in his 13th NFL season should be acknowledged accordingly.

Darren Sharper leads the league with five picks, proving his speed is still perfectly synchronized with an elite sense of awareness. Most defensive backs watch that skill fade in the twilight of their careers, but Sharper remains as omnipresent as ever.

His 33 years really can't be disregarded in all of this.

Most elite defenders are usually reduced to reserve roles at this stage of their career, whereas Sharper's arrival in New Orleans made him the centerpiece of the Saints' new defensive tradition under Gregg Williams.

For your consideration: CB Darrelle Revis, New York Jets—In his third season, Revis turned shutting down top receivers into an art. The one thing that keeps Revis a notch below Sharper is the empty touchdown column. Locking down receivers is all fine and dandy, but he needs to create turnovers and convert them to points every now and again, too.

Comeback Player of the Year

QB Tom Brady, New England Patriots

This award is his to lose.

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